The GDP of Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province rose 6.6 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year, 1.3 percentage points above the national average, according to data released on July 22.

The city's strong growth in industry, wholesale and retail, finance, and construction sectors helped it to rank third in the province for GDP growth. Retail sales and small-scale manufacturing indicators both ranked among the top three in Zhejiang, highlighting the resilience of the city's private-sector-driven economy.

The automobile manufacturing sector in Taizhou led the way, with 38.7 percent growth from January to June, followed by electrical machinery at 16.2 percent and general equipment at 9.6 percent.

China's trade-in initiative has also boosted the consumer market in Taizhou, with retail sales increasing by 9.5 percent — the highest in the province. Cultural and tourism events further stimulated spending, with tourism and dining booming during the Phoenix Legend concert in April.

Fixed-asset investment rose by 10.4 percent, supported by major industrial projects. Investment in infrastructure and manufacturing grew by 18.5 and 14.4 percent, respectively, helping to lay a solid foundation for future growth.